There are transfers that are preparing in silence and surprising everyone at the time of their announcement. This is the case for a framework for FC Barcelona, announced on the start to everyone's surprise. A few days before the resumption of competitions, this player decided to turn the page and to offer a new challenge … under the sun of Saudi Arabia.
Inigo Martinez, new teammate from Ronaldo
According to Fabrizio Romano and Matteo Moretto, this isIñigo Martinezthe 34 -year -old Spanish central defender. The former Athletic Bilbao player reached an agreement to immediately terminate his contract with Barça, to join Al-Nassr as a free agent. The Saudi club, where Cristiano Ronaldo evolves, offered him a lease until 2026, with an option for an additional year, and an estimated salary at almost 8 million euros.
Martinez, who arrived in Catalonia in 2023, had quickly won the confidence of Xavi and then Hansi Flick. With 71 games played in the Blaugrana jersey, including 46 just last season, he had been one of the team's defensive pillars, contributing to the double Liga – King Cup. His departure therefore marks the end of a cycle and leaves a vacuum of experience in the Barcelona locker room.
An experience profile for Al-Nassr
Al-Nassr, who is preparing his season with great ambitions, sees Martinez a reinforcement capable of bringing solidity and leadership. Cristiano Ronaldo, who had pleaded in recent months for the arrival of Mason Greenwood from OM, will undoubtedly have to be satisfied with this different profile. Less offensive, certainly, but with more than 500 professional games and solid European experience.
The Spaniard is expected in the coming days in Riyadh to finalize the last details. He could make his debut from August 19 during the semi-final of the SAUDI Super Cup against Al-Ittihad. For Al-Nassr, the operation is already a success on paper: recovering a player for free from this caliber is the assurance of an immediate sporting gain.
